About the Program
Connect the World with the Central Science
A degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry at the University of St. Thomas offers more than just a solid academic foundation, it opens the door to discovery, innovation, and real-world impact. Our program prepares you to thrive in one of the most dynamic science and technology markets in the country.
With Houston serving as a global hub for healthcare, energy, biotechnology, and chemical manufacturing, our graduates are well positioned for exciting local and national career opportunities. Employers such as the Texas Medical Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, ExxonMobil, Shell, and a growing number of biotech startups and pharmaceutical companies regularly seek graduates with the skills our programs provide.
The UST Advantage
Personal Attention, Real Impact
In our program, you’ll get personal attention and targeted advice with small class sizes and faculty mentorship. In addition to getting an American Chemical Society (ACS) Accredited Degree, you’ll find state-of-the-art labs. We’ve invested more than $1.5 million dollars in making sure that we have cutting edge instrumentation including a Flow Cytometer, RT-PCR System, NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS, Raman Spectrometer, and more.
You’ll find great opportunities here whether it’s preparing for grad school, access to global companies that headquarter in Houston, our pre-health programs, or our STEM foundation.
Study Chemistry
Chemistry & Biochemistry Leadership
Dr. Richa Chandra
Dr. Richa Chandra is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. She is a tenured faculty member, an award winning researcher, and a dedicated mentor whose bioanalytical chemistry research has led to peer reviewed publications with undergraduate students. As the past Chair of the American Chemical Society Greater Houston Section (ACS-GHS), she led initiatives that strengthened the chemistry community, expanded professional networks, and promoted scientific advancement. She is passionate about mentoring emerging scientists and through teaching, research, and leadership, she is committed to helping UST students grow as scientists and future professionals
Global Access
Houston Drives Demand for Chemistry
Between health services, pharmaceuticals, and energy production, if you want a career in chemistry or biochemistry, Houston is the place to be!
Houston has the world’s largest medical complex (Texas Medical Center) fueling biotech growth and R&D. Biotech firms like Lonza, CTMC, and Biovana are adding quality local jobs. Eli Lilly is considering a $5.7 billion investment in a bio manufacturing facility.
ExxonMobil has its global headquarters nearby Spring, TX. We also house the headquarters of or major offices for Chevron, Shell, BP, LyondellBasell, Dow, ConocoPhillips, Hunstman Corporation, Baker Hughes, SLB, Halliburton, and many more!
Student Experience
Be Part of Real-World Research as a Welch Scholar
A unique research program opportunity exclusively for our undergraduate Chemistry and Biochemistry majors funded by the Robert A. Welch Foundation. This programs has the highest publication record for undergraduates in STEM and allows you to get real research and publishing experience right from the start! You’ll work closely with faculty members in a small research groups across a wide range of exciting fields like Bioanalytical chemistry of cardiovascular disease, environmental and computational chemistry, gene therapy or cancer and immune modulation, computational chemistry and gene therapy for cancer & immune modulation, inorganic chemistry and discovery of new antimicrobials, and inorganic and electrochemistry for clean energy and CO2 capture.
This program will give you access to work in state of the the art labs with advanced instrumentation and will set you up with many exciting career and graduate school opportunities!